Cairngorms tourism businesses attend major virtual international trade event
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Tourism professionals from the Cairngorms have sent a message to one of the world's leading travel trade fairs that the region is gearing up to welcome back visitors.
Cairngorms Business Partnership and VisitCairngorms joined businesses and tourism organisations from across Scotland at the world’s leading travel trade show, ITB Berlin, to re-assurere international travellers that Scotland is a safe and welcoming destination.
Part of the overall VisitBritain delegation at ITB Berlin NOW, the representatives were able to connect and engage with travel agents and tour operators from around the world, to promote their products, services and experiences.
Other North representatives included Visit Moray Speyside, Highland Experience Tours, Skye's Sonas Collection hotel group and bespoke tour guide The Tartan Road.
Organisers say 65,700 users visited the online platform over the five days of the event held last month.
The event attracted 3513 exhibitors from 120 countries, while over 1000 media and travel bloggers from 54 countries covered the travel trade show.
A digital marketing campaign to raise awareness of the national tourism organisation and partners’ presence at ITB Berlin NOW using LinkedIn and Germany’s dedicated travel industry portals generated almost 900,000 digital views.
VisitScotland hosted a press conference updating delegates on the focus for tourism reopening in Scotland with responsible tourism and a focus on tourism as a force for good at the heart of recovery planning.
The audience heard how the industry was working towards a safe return to operations with many businesses and operators signing up to the 'We’re Good to Go' industry standard scheme with the international Safe Travels stamp from the World Travel & Tourism Council an addition for the new season.
Judy Mariëns, VisitScotland's senior market manager for Europe, said: “Although we don’t know exactly when non-essential international travel can resume, we continue to engage with our international partners on a ‘dream now, travel later’ basis so that, when the situation allows, we can move quickly to take advantage of any opportunities.
“VisitScotland is continuing to work with businesses and organisations across the country to ensure this vital part of Scotland’s economy is ready and in the best possible position to welcome international visitors back when it is safe to do so.”
